Facial Rejuvenation: Check! Now What?
Throughout our lifetime, we have many moments of joy. We tend to wear them on our face. Rarely does one feel prepared when the signs of aging begin to show up. In fact, it takes many people years to do anything about the cosmetic changes that concern them. Fortunately, there is very little (if any) social stigma left around the idea of plastic surgery. Men and women of all ages are now much more open about their interest in facial rejuvenation and how they are taking control of their aging process.
Facelift surgery continues to be a primary method of facial rejuvenation. The technique used for each patient is customized to provide meaningful results that last for years. While facelift surgery offers substantial benefits, the fact remains that the face will continue to age after treatment. Here, we offer a bit of insight gained through numerous studies regarding how to promote lasting results from facelift surgery.
First, the Cause; Then, the Solutions
In order to know what can help prolong a youthful appearance, we must first understand what causes the face to age in the first place. For the most part, studies indicate the immense value of collagen and elastin for healthy, youthful skin. These two chemicals are produced abundantly during childhood and adolescence but not in adulthood. In fact, collagen production begins to decline in our twenties. Being the building block of resilient tissue, collagen is a must for anyone interested in postponing the onset of lines and wrinkles, sagging, thinning skin, and pigment issues.
In addition to helping us understand the role of collagen and elastin in the body, studies have also discovered some valuable ways to keep these chemicals going strong for many years. One way is to avoid unprotected sun exposure. UV light can be good for the body; it aids in the natural production of vitamin D. However, anything more than a few minutes of UV exposure will lead to collagen breakdown. The strands of collagen that hold the skin firmly fray when they become damaged by UV rays. If you want healthy skin and you want to be in the sunshine, wear sunscreen that filters both UVA and UVB light.
Additional strategies for maintaining skin after facial rejuvenation include taking vitamin C daily. Vitamin C is a significant contributor to collagen production as well as the prevention of oxidative stress in the body. Hydration, as well, is a must for the skin to maintain moisture that keeps it smooth and supple. Finally, experts encourage the avoidance of smoking. The chemicals in cigarettes prevent adequate oxygen delivery to tissues, which can sharply increase the rate of aging.
If you’re considering how you can correct the signs of aging that concern you, we can help. Contact our Bryn Mawr office to schedule your consultation to explore surgical and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatments.
Dr. Claytor also offers men’s facelifts. Learn more here.
